Gear Up for Old Man Winter
by Ron Kubitz
October 28, 2011
It is the last full week of October as I write this, and already the weather forecast for this weekend is mentioning that dreaded “S” word … SNOW! Working outside during the winter—as many construction employees do—can be a dirty and bone-chilling job, but in our industry it comes with the territory.
Are you ready for winter work? To help you get ready, here are some reminders about dressing for the weather and staying strong, healthy, productive and safe as we approach my least favorite time of the year.
- Two big concerns of working or simply spending time outdoors in cold weather are frostbite and hypothermia. Both can occur at much higher temperatures than many people realize. For example, exposed skin can start to freeze at just 28 degrees and deep frostbite can cause blood clots and even worse. Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature, and symptoms include fatigue, nausea, confusion, lightheadedness and profuse sweating.
- Wear the proper gloves for the work you are doing. Gloves should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite, but be thin enough so that you can manipulate the controls or tools under your supervision. Bulky gloves can also make your hands and wrists work too hard, causing strain or possible injury.
- Dress in layers of light-weight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes. Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring, which can lead to chills or hypothermia later. Remember that wet clothing is 20 times less warm than dry clothing. Wear a hat or your safety helmet at all times because as much as half your body heat can go up in steam off the top of a bare head. Finally, protect your ears from frostbite as well by wearing a hat or ear muffs.
- Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Use anti-fog coatings and wipes when necessary. If you have to keep taking off your safety eyewear because it fogs up, it could cause more harm than good.
- Use proper footwear. Your shoes or boots should have adequate tread to prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces. For extremely slippery situations, you can attach safety cleats to your footwear. Slow down when walking across slippery surfaces and be especially careful on ladders, platforms and machinery.
- Eat winter-weight meals that provide enough calories and nutrients to give you the fuel you need, and of course, start with a healthy breakfast.
- Get plenty of rest. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes about 30 percent more energy than during warm weather months.
Can you suggest other cold weather pointers that have worked well for as you successfully brave the winter elements to complete a job on time and under budget? Stay safe and stay warm!
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
Comments (5)Post a Comment
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Title: Old Man Winter
By: Bill B.
Posted: October 31, 2011 7:26 AM
Gee thanks for the jinx this past weekend! No work for me today so I can stay warm at home!
Title: Old Man Winter
By: Frank McIntyre
Posted: October 31, 2011 11:40 AM
Thanks for the helpful tips. But really snow this early....trick or treat?
Title: Old man Winter-Vaseline
By: Tina Ottey
Posted: November 2, 2011 8:05 AM
Cover your nose, face and other exposed body parts with Vaseline or similar lotion or cream. It soothes the sun and prevents wind burn and effects of the cold.
Title: Winter Gear
By: Evan Fullmer
Posted: November 14, 2011 1:01 PM
Always have your winter gear with you! Just going to work can turn dangerous.
How would you like to sit in a dead vehicle for a couple of dalys in those shirt sleeves?
Title: winter
By: Billy V.
Posted: November 19, 2011 11:39 PM
Thanks for the jinx! Where is winter?